The Rollins Neighborhood and Desiree Traylor
February 2007
Desiree Traylor chose to attend the Hamilton Holt School because of Fred Rogers, Rollins alum and star of the world-famous children’s television program “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” In her childhood home in Cleveland, Ohio the familiar words “Would you be my neighbor?” welcomed the young Desiree as she watched television with her brothers.
“I admired his style of teaching and those cardigan sweaters,” Traylor said. “Once I found out he attended Rollins, I wanted to be part of the Rollins community.”
An Organizational Communication major, Traylor believes communication is a vital part of our lives. “I would recommend that everyone enroll in at least two … communication courses… with the “Listening” course being one. Facilitated by Rick Bommelje, “Listening” gives students the necessary tools to increase their ability to listen to others and to become aware of their listening patterns.
“Listening is something we all do 90 percent of our day, therefore we should become more proficient in not just the verbal cues but the non-verbal as well.” Leadership is another area of interest to Traylor. “I have gained the necessary skills through my educational journey at Rollins to lead and educate those I come into contact with through verbal and non-verbal communication skills,” Traylor said. Leadership is “to not only be responsible for the works of those you lead, but to be responsible for your own actions – to mentor, coach, and sometimes lead from behind.”
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in May, she plans to begin graduate study for a Master of Arts degree in Counseling.
“I want to make a difference and be a difference in the lives of everyone I come into contact with, mainly individuals less fortunate than me. I want them to know they are a valuable part of our society and not to let anyone tell them they can’t do something.” If they “ stay focused, dream big and keep God first and foremost in their lives, they can achieve anything,” she said.
In the future, Traylor wants to open a private counseling practice, to counsel middle and high school students, to mentor within the community, and teach parents and guardians how to overcome dysfunctional relationships. She has felt very comfortable at Rollins. “Rollins is a college that embraces diversity, values each student, faculty member, and potential student… don’t let this opportunity pass you by,” Traylor said, hoping to encourage potential students. “Without financial aid and the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG), I wouldn’t have been able to successfully complete my BA within my goal of two years.”
Vice-president of Communique, the student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association at Rollins College, and a fan of the Cleveland Browns, Traylor enjoys modeling, teaching, mentoring, and public speaking, as well as spending time with her family – husband, Sam Gates, and 4-year-old son, Joshua – and her church family at the Church of Christ of West Orange.
Information posted on the Rollins College Hamilton Holt School Web site is intended as general information only. It is subject to change and does not reflect a contract between students and the College. Contact the Hamilton Holt School office to confirm any information.
Tags: desiree traylor, holt school, listening, listening leaders, mr. rogers, mr. rogers neighborhood, Writing, Writing: Rollins College
